Department of Philosophy

World leading in research and teaching excellence in philosophy, at the forefront of the discipline, its reform, and its application to the major issues facing the world.

Welcome to Philosophy at Durham

Durham Philosophy department is amongst the most prestigious departments in the UK, and we pride ourselves on our excellence in research and teaching. The Durham Philosophy community is a lively, friendly group of people including undergraduates, postgraduates and staff, committed to the pursuit of philosophical knowledge and understanding. We are an open and friendly department, which accommodates work in both ‘analytic’ and ‘Continental’ Western philosophical traditions.

Find out more about our staff

32nd in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023

World top 50 Our Arts & Humanities subjects were ranked 33rd in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2023.

Athena Swan Gender Charter Bronze Award

Times Good University Guide Our Philosophy Department is ranked 4th in the country for employability with a score of 85%, according to the Times Good University Guide 2023

Study with us

Durham University’s Department of Philosophy is a centre for world-class research and teaching in a wide range of fields. Discover all of our undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

Undergraduate study

Find out more about our undergraduate opportunities.

Postgraduate study

Find out more about our postgraduate opportunities.

Meet our Students

Meet our students and find out more about why they chose to study Philosophy at Durham University and what career paths they pursue.

Meet all of our students

Research

At Durham, we have a very different vision of the life of the philosopher. For us, philosophy is a joint enterprise, a subject that one makes progress in through conversation, collaboration, and community.

Discover Our Research